The Wisdom Shortcut: How to Save Years of Struggle and Achieve Success Faster
Release Date: 03/20/2025
Money School Podcast
From the outside, doctors and dentists look like they’ve got it all: good money, respected careers, the kind of lifestyle most people want. But what almost no one talks about is how fragile that life really is. One accident, one injury, and the very hands that their entire career depends on can suddenly stop producing income. That was Dr. Jeff Anzalone’s reality after a skiing accident nearly ended his ability to practice dentistry. It forced him to realize: as much as medicine can be rewarding, it’s still trading time for money, and it can all disappear in an instant. The solution...
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Most people who buy life insurance never read the fine print. They’re promised “stock market–like returns without the risk,” a retirement account that doubles as a tax-free loan machine, and peace of mind for their families. On paper? It looks like the perfect product. But what happens when the math doesn’t add up, the illustrations don’t match reality, and families find out, years later, that the policy they’ve been funding is set to collapse? That’s the dark underbelly of the Indexed Universal Life (IUL) industry. And it’s exactly what my guest, Jonathan, aka the IUL...
info_outlineMoney School Podcast
Most people who buy life insurance never read the fine print. They’re promised “stock market–like returns without the risk,” a retirement account that doubles as a tax-free loan machine, and peace of mind for their families. On paper? It looks like the perfect product. But what happens when the math doesn’t add up, the illustrations don’t match reality, and families find out, years later, that the policy they’ve been funding is set to collapse? That’s the dark underbelly of the Indexed Universal Life (IUL) industry. And it’s exactly what my guest, Jonathan, aka the IUL...
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Most business owners only call the bank when they’re in trouble. Cash is tight, deals are falling apart, stress is mounting. By then? It’s too late. The banks shut the doors and wave at you from behind the glass. That’s the obvious mistake. The less obvious one? Not realizing the best time to secure financing is when you don’t need it. That’s when banks give you more, on better terms, and when private lenders are willing to play ball. That’s the theme of my conversation with George Otel, founder of U.S. Business Funding. He’s closed 400+ deals, from SBA loans to $50M...
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Most real estate investors are running the same race: chasing the hottest markets, competing for the same deals, and trying to outbid one another. The problem? That crowded approach often blinds you to the opportunities hiding in plain sight. The truth is, success in investing isn’t about following the crowd or chasing trends; it’s about looking where others aren’t, leading with strategy, and building relationships that open doors no one else can see. That’s what sets Aleea Stanton apart. She didn’t start investing just to rack up properties. She began with a deeper purpose: to give...
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You’ve experienced life at the highest level: private planes, exclusive circles, red carpet events, and the luxury that money can buy. But beyond the accolades and access, have you ever found yourself asking, 'Is this all there is?' There’s a silent struggle that often shadows success. Behind the velvet ropes and curated lifestyles, many high-profile individuals wrestle with an inner void—an ache that no amount of wealth, recognition, or adrenaline can truly silence. When the applause quiets and the entourage leaves, the stillness can feel suffocating. For some, that emptiness is numbed...
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You’ve got something valuable sitting right under your nose: your home’s equity. But here’s the thing: it’s not exactly helping you pay the bills. Your house might be worth a lot more than before, but day-to-day expenses still pile up. Inflation’s squeezing your paycheck, groceries keep getting more expensive, and it feels like you’re stretched thinner every month. You’re “house rich,” sure, but cash? Not so much. And that’s exhausting. The reality is, owning a valuable home doesn’t mean your wallet feels any heavier. Lots of folks are stuck in this same spot right...
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You built your business from scratch and poured your heart and soul into it. So it might feel strange, even disloyal, to think about stepping away or exiting. From the outside, everything’s working: sales are up, your team’s solid, and your brand is gaining traction. But under the surface? You’re tired, the vision that once felt clear now feels fuzzy, and growth has started to feel like a grind. This isn’t uncommon. Many founders hesitate to plan an exit because things still feel “fine.” But there’s a big difference between “fine” and truly free. Founders leave their...
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Here’s the dirty secret in the term insurance industry: They win when you cancel. They win when your policy lapses. They win when you don’t understand what you really own. Think about that for a second. You’ve been sold on the idea that term insurance is the smart, affordable choice. But what no one tells you is this: it’s a ticking clock. If you outlive the term, you get nothing. All those years of paying in? Gone. Just like that. Who wins? The insurance companies. Every. Single. Time. They count on you to drop it. They bank on you not knowing any better. But what if you flipped the...
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Feeling burnt out? You’re not the only investor hitting that wall. Long hours, back-to-back deals, tenants, contractors, financing, and the never-ending pressure to grow. You got into real estate for time freedom and financial independence, but somewhere along the way, it started to feel like just another grind. Here’s the truth most investors won’t say out loud: Burnout isn’t a rite of passage, it’s a red flag. And ignoring it can cost you more than just momentum; it can eat away at your health, relationships, and your reason for investing in the first place. But what if there’s...
info_outlineHow many mistakes did you have to make before you found success? How much time, money, and energy did trial and error cost you? Now, imagine watching someone else go down the same painful road—knowing you have the wisdom to help them avoid those missteps.
Yet, too often, people keep their hard-earned wisdom to themselves. Maybe you think others need to learn the "hard way," just like you did.
But does struggle for struggle’s sake really make sense? What if you could give them the wisdom shortcut—the insight, experience, and lessons that could save them years of frustration?
By sharing your wisdom, you’re not just giving advice—you’re redefining what’s possible for others. You’re showing them a path they didn’t even know existed. You’re turning obstacles into stepping stones, helping them reach their goals faster, smarter, and with fewer setbacks.
In this special 300th episode, I share the wisdom shortcut—lessons learned from my failures and mistakes, both in business and as a pro snowboarder. I reflect on my journey and how I’ve helped others avoid the same pitfalls by passing on the knowledge I’ve gained along the way.
Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
-Failure can fortify
Failure is a natural part of growth, strengthening wisdom and resilience. How can past failures shape better decisions in the future?
-Resourcefulness over resources
Success depends more on resourcefulness than available resources. How can thinking creatively help overcome financial limitations?
-Ego and emotions in business
Stay objective in business—avoid assumptions, emotions, and ego-driven decisions. How can you ensure logic guides your decisions rather than emotions?
About Your Host
From pro-snowboarder to money mogul, Chris Naugle has dedicated his life to being America’s #1 Money Mentor. With a core belief that success is built not by the resources you have, but by how resourceful you can be. Chris has built and owned 19 companies, with his businesses being featured in Forbes, ABC, House Hunters, and his very own HGTV pilot in 2018. He is currently founder of The Money School™, and Money Mentor for The Money Multiplier.
His success also includes managing tens of millions of dollars in assets in the financial services and advisory industry and in real estate transactions. As an innovator and visionary in wealth-building and real estate, he empowers entrepreneurs, business owners, and real estate investors with the knowledge of how money works.
Chris is also a nationally recognized speaker, author, and podcast host. He has spoken to and taught over ten thousand Americans delivering the financial knowledge that fuels lasting freedom.
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